Stories that Teach the Truth

Noted biblical scholar Dr. Israel Drazin compiled this eye-opening and thought-provoking book to prove that fiction has its place in the scholarly realm and can teach useful lessons. The book gives examples from more than a dozen ancient Jewish stories that reflect the concerns of the ancients about religion, the Bible, God, human behavior, and more. These books include Susanna, Bel and the Dragon, Tobit, additions to the biblical book Esther, The Love Story of Joseph and Aseneth, and The Testament of Joseph. Also included are modern fictional stories that express ideas contrary to Jewish tradition, and four essays on philosophy showing what can be learned from non-Jewish philosophers, such as Socrates’ thoughts about fearing death. There are also discussions on three fictional tales by S. Y. Agnon, five by Mark Twain (including his humorous tales “Eve’s Diary” and “Adam’s Diary”), and ten other writers of fiction.